KC Week in Review May 18, 2011

END OF KANSAS AS WE KNOW IT?: “Sending the state to hell in a hand basket…an impending bloodbath…a nuclear explosion that will leave no part of the state immune from the radioactivity of the blast……ending Kansas as we know it.” Some of the phrases thrown around in the last week to describe the actions of Kansas lawmakers who sent to the Governor’s desk a $3.7 billion tax cut bill which its proponents argue will help grow the Kansas economy and spur growth. So why such apocalyptic, doomsday language being tossed around?

SECRET CEREMONY FOR LIMBUAGH: in a locked chamber guarded by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers, House Speaker Steve Tilley this week inducts Rush Limbaugh into the Hall of Famous Missourians during an invitation-only ceremony. Democrats were excluded from the unveiling of the bust of the 61- year-old Cape Girardeau native. The ceremony, a departure from the open events held at almost every other induction, took place with GOP staff members using Democratic seats and empty spectator galleries. Media were notified fewer than 30 minutes in advance. Why all the secrecy?

VOTING ON JUDGES: For more than 70 years, Missouri has selected most of its judges using a process that has become a model for the nation. This fall, voters will get the opportunity to change it. The Missouri House has just narrowly passed a proposed constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters this November, would give the governor more control over the selection of judges for the state Supreme Court and state Court of Appeals.

LAND BANK BILL PASSES: It’s being viewed as “game changing” legislation for Kansas City. One of the biggest accomplishments of this year’s legislative session in Missouri. It’s front page news. But why is it important?

UNION EXPOSED: Lavish spending and salaries at a KCK based union are exposed in a Kansas City Star investigation this week. We pick apart the story.